11 COMMON ENGINE PROBLEMS

1. CLOGGED RADIATOR

Dirty coolant can cause an array of issues. If your radiator happens to get clogged with sediment from dirty coolant, it can then cause your engine to overheat. If you use hard water, your radiator can become corroded.

2. MISSING OR LOOSE GAS CAP

A missing or loose gas cap can create more problems than expected. Generally, replacing or tightening a gas cap is going to be the cheapest/easiest way to preserve your car’s life. A loose or missing cap can cause the gas to evaporate from the car, decreasing the gas mileage. This can cost hundreds to thousand of dollars.

3. WORN SPARK PLUG

This may be small, but it is extremely important for your engine’s efficiency. The spark plug is what pushes your car forward. It has the function of igniting compressed gas within the engine. Worn plugs may make a weak spark, preventing the engine from igniting fully. Any misfires can affect the engine and gas mileage, resulting in further damage.

4. POOR COMPRESSION

If the fuel and air are not properly compressed, the engine will not be able to complete the combustion process. When valves aren’t properly sealed, piston rings are worn, or there is a hole in the cylinder, there could be an air leak. The leak can then cause a lack of compression.

5. LOSS OF COOLANT

Coolant loss is one of the most common reasons for overheating. If your engine is consistently overheating, this high temperature can cause major damage. Prevention is undoubtedly the best treatment to avoid damage. Preventative measures can ensure clean coolant and a good condition for the cooling system.

6. SPARK KNOCK

This combustion is usually caused by the building up of pressure in the combustion chamber. When this is occurring, you will be able to hear a pinging or knocking noise. A small amount of knocking will not cause major damage, but heavier knocking can cause serious engine problems. These issues include holes in the pistons, pounding out piston grooves, crushing rod bearings, crack rings or even blowing a head gasket. Prolonged knocking should be handled by car care professionals immediately.

7. DIRTY OIL

Oil can certainly build up and leave unwanted deposits on the spark plugs, intake valves and combustion chambers. This can easily ruin the bearings by leaving debris, which can embed on the surface. If, perhaps, the oil filter is clogged or missing, this can create serious issues.

8. OIL PUMP FAILURE

A failing oil pump has been proven to cause oil starvation and damage any engine. Oil always needs to be the proper viscosity, meaning it needs light to move quickly.

9. FAULTY OR BROKEN OXYGEN SENSOR

This sensor will measure just how much oxygen has not been burned in the exhaust. It will then notify the data system on how much gas remains in the gas tank. Any problems with the oxygen sensor will result in incorrect information passed on to the car. This can result in lower gas mileage.

10. BAD AIR/FUEL MIX

The most obvious sign here is you are out of fuel or running on “E”. There could be a problem with your vehicle’s air intake, among other issues. If the intake doesn’t let air into the engine, it cannot work properly. Water that can’t enter the gas tank can also cause engine problems. Lastly, your vehicle may also be running to rich or lean on gas.

11. POOR LUBRICATION

Your car requires oil between moving parts. This will remove heat and reduce friction, at the same time. A regular oil change is crucial for the overall operation of the car. Failure to comply with routine maintenance can cause the car to overheat.